Tolerance : The essences of Humanity

The word tolerance denotes to bear, have a capacity to endure/control something patiently. As a concept, it refers to respect, acceptance and appreciation.Tolerance is a noble humanitarian virtue. The term humanity has a wide definition and tolerance is one elements of it. So we can see it is related to humanity, concern for other human beings. But not to compromise with the principles and morals. Just as if mother tolerates child tantrums, doesn't mean she accepting his wrong attitude. So we need to understand that Tolerance means, in essence, to give consideration to others. In social life, friction between people does occur in every society, differences arising from religion, culture, tradition and personal tastes persist, difference of opinions.

In such a situation the superior attitude is to adopt the ways of concession and large-heartedness without any compromise of principle. That is to say that the God-fearing person should be a man of principle as far as he himself, is concerned, but should be tolerant towards others. He should judge himself in the light of the ideal but in the matter of his fellow men he should show tolerance and broad-mindedness.

But we see, Intolerance has become the norms and culture of the day. It is causing death, genocide, violence, religious persecution as well as confrontations at different levels. Sometimes it is racial and ethnic, sometimes it is religious and ideological, and sometimes it is political and social. Whatever may be the reason, intolerance is painful in each situation. How can we solve the problem of intolerance? How can we bring tolerance in the world today?

The relationship with other human being can't be fruitful if they are not tolerate towards each other. Tolerance is a basic principle of Islam. It is a religious and moral duty. It does not mean concession. It does not mean lack of principles, or lack of seriousness about one’s principles. Sometimes it is advocated that people are tolerant of things that they do not care about or if situation is beyond our control then one don't have any option but to tolerate. That's not the case.

Islam teaches tolerance at all levels, between family members, between husband and wife, between parent and child, between groups and nations.

The Qur’an says, ‘’O Mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so that you might [affectionately] come to know one another. Surely, the most honoured among you, in the sight of Allah, is the one who is the best in conduct.’’ (Qur'an 49 :13)

The best conduct in Islam is to treat human beings with dignity, equality, fraternity and justice.

Islam may tolerate anything but it teaches zero tolerance for injustice, oppression and violation of the rights of other human beings. For that God inspire mankind to stand up for the justice of victim.

Qur'an says, “And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and raise for us from your side one who will protect, and raise for us from your side one who will help.” (Qur'an 4 : 75)

Thus, tolerance is the need of the hour today, moreover humanity would only flourish if they would practice the great virtue of humanity that's tolerance in their day today's lives. We must foster tolerance through deliberate policies and efforts. Our focus should be multiethnic. We should teach our children respect of each other irrespective of caste, creed, gender, nationality and ethnicity. Tolerance is the cordial knot which binds the family, society and keep the nation intact. But unfortunately, we lack patience in our behaviour and attitude and becoming more intolerant. Which destroying the fabric of the society. We need to seriously ponder upon it so that we can save humanity from further destruction and evil caused by man. As society cannot be governed by law alone. Law has a relation with society. It suffers if society is rigid and intolerant.